The image shows the characters jumping from an exploding New York skyscraper, above its Australian release date of 11 September.

After receiving criticism online, the film studio deleted the poster from its Twitter and Facebook accounts.

"Combining that image and date was a mistake," Paramount Australia said.

"We are deeply sorry to have used that artwork for the marketing materials promoting the September 11 opening in Australia.

The poster has been removed from Paramount Australia's Twitter and Facebook accounts

"We intended no offence and have taken immediate action to discontinue its use."

The combination of imagery and release date prompted anger and surprise online for its similarity to the terrorist attacks, during which desperate victims were seen jumping from the World Trade Center.